Loaded Italian Salad

Loaded Italian Salad is the perfect addition to a hearty family Italian dinner.

I love salads that are so loaded with all the good stuff that there’s hardly any room left to add in lettuce. This loaded Italian salad totally delivers on that front. All those antipasto “goodies” make this salad an easy favorite.

What is Antipasto?

Antipasto is traditionally the first course of an Italian meal. It usually consists of cured meat, pickled veggies like olives, pepperoncini peppers, vinegar and oil, plus a lot more. When an antipasto is made into a salad it’s a win win.

Variations for an antipasto Italian salad:

• vine ripe tomatoes
• artichoke hearts
• chick peas
• black olives
• pepperoni (other cured Italian meats: salami, prosciutto)
• green olives with pimento
• mozzarella cheese
• salami
•  pepperoncini peppers
• red onion, thinly sliced
• green leaf lettuce

More delicious antipasto options:

• Kalamata olives
• roasted red peppers
• marinated mozzarella balls
• Italian flat leaf parsley, chopped garnish
• avocado
• fresh grated parmesan
• grated carrots
• cucumbers
• grilled chicken or shrimp
• pine nuts
• croutons

A dressing can make or break a salad. Everyone’s favorite Italian dressing from Olive Garden is now available at the grocery store, but did you know it’s so simple to make your own at home and it will taste just as good?!

Here’s the recipe for the copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing:

• •  1 packet Italian dressing mix
  •  1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  •  1/2 tsp sugar
  •  1/3 tsp garlic powder
  •  1/2 tsp salt
  •  1/4 tsp pepper
  •  3/4 cup vegetable oil
  •  1/3 cup white vinegar
  •  1/4 cup water
  •  1/2 Tbsp mayonnaise

Directions:

• • Add all ingredients into a mason jar with a lid and shake until well combined.
  • Serve over a fresh Italian salad.

One of our favorite ways to serve a big salad like this is on a tray or a sheet pan. This way all the good stuff doesn’t sink to the bottom and you can help make sure that everyone gets a little of everything. They can then add the dressing after they plate their portion.

5 from 1 vote

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Copycat Olive Garden Italian Salad Dressing

Everyone’s favorite Italian salad dressing from Olive Garden made by you! It’s so simple to make your own at home and it will taste just as good.

Author Kami | NoBiggie.net

Ingredients

• 1  packet Italian dressing mix
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3/4 cup  vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup  white vinegar
• 1/4 cup  water
• 1/2 Tablespoon mayonnaise

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients into a mason jar with a lid and shake until well combined.
2. Serve over a fresh Italian salad.

Making This Recipe? Tag us on Instagram: @NoBiggie using the hashtag #NoBiggieRecipes, so we can see what you are making in the kitchen!

MORE salad recipes we LOVE:

• Easy Caprese Salad
• Spinach Tortellini Salad
• Crab Louie Salad